Effect of naringin and prednisolone treatment on blood-testis barrier in experimental rheumatoid arthritis model.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that not only affects joints but also causes substantial impairment in male reproductive functions. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Naringin and Prednisolone, both alone and in combination, on testicular damage and blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity in a murine model of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Thirty-six male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. RA was induced using Complete Freund's Adjuvant, followed by treatment with Naringin (150 mg/kg, oral) and/or Prednisolone (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses were performed. RA led to significant testicular degeneration, reduced serum testosterone and LH levels, and suppressed expression of BTB-related proteins Connexin-43 and Occludin. Naringin treatment effectively alleviated these alterations by reducing TNF-α and IL-6 expression, restoring seminiferous tubule architecture, and preserving BTB integrity. Although Prednisolone reduced inflammatory markers, it did not reverse testicular structural damage. The addition of prednisolone did not enhance the histological protective effects observed with naringin monotherapy. These findings indicate that Naringin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, attenuating RA-induced testicular injury and potentially safeguarding reproductive function. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic utility in RA-associated male infertility.